Dr. Jon Pont specializes in general obstetrics & gynecology and practices in Modesto, CA. He is conversant in Spanish. Dr. Pont's clinical interests encompass infertility and women's health issues. His professional affiliations include Sutter Medical Network, Memorial Medical Center, Modesto, and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation (SGMF). He attended medical school at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. For his residency, Dr. Pont trained at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. The average patient rating for Dr. Pont is 5.0 stars out of 5. He takes several insurance carriers, including Health Net ELECT POS, United Healthcare Plans, and United Healthcare Choice. Dr. Pont welcomes new patients.

Dr. Robert Altman specializes in general obstetrics & gynecology and practices in Modesto, CA. Dr. Altman attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He trained at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for his residency. His areas of expertise include the following: infertility and women's health issues. Patient reviews placed him at an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. He is an in-network provider for Health Net ELECT POS, United Healthcare Plans, and United Healthcare Choice, in addition to other insurance carriers. Dr. Altman speaks Spanish. Dr. Altman is affiliated with Sutter Medical Network, Memorial Medical Center, Modesto, and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation (SGMF). His practice is open to new patients.

Dr. Collin Smikle's medical specialty is reproductive endocrinology and infertility. His professional affiliations include Sutter Medical Network, California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), and Brown & Toland Physicians. Dr. Smikle attended Yale School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Patient ratings for Dr. Smikle average 4.0 stars out of 5. Dr. Smikle takes Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CIGNA Plans, and more. He has received the following distinction: San Francisco Super Doctors. His practice is open to new patients.

Dr. Sean Clare is a general obstetrics & gynecology specialist. After completing medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine, Dr. Clare performed his residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. In his practice, he is particularly interested in women's health issues. He has received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating by his patients. Dr. Clare accepts Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CIGNA Plans, and more. He is conversant in Spanish. He is professionally affiliated with Sutter Medical Network, Memorial Medical Center, Modesto, and Central Valley Medical Group. New patients are welcome to contact Dr. Clare's office for an appointment.

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What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful disease that affects up to 10% of women during their childbearing years. It happens when cells that normally line the uterus migrate and appear in other parts of the body. These cells respond to monthly hormonal fluctuations and grow blood-rich tissue and shed it, just as they would inside the uterus. This can result in pain, and the bleeding can cause scar tissue to form. The thick, inflexible scar tissue (called an adhesion) can become very painful if it stops organs within the body from being able to move freely.

Endometriosis can happen almost anywhere in the body, but it happens most often within the pelvic cavity. The endometriosis lesions are most often seen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic wall, bladder, bowel, and intestines. Specific symptoms of endometriosis depend on where the lesions are located, but the most common are:

Pain, especially with the menstrual cycle

Infertility

Diarrhea or constipation during the menstrual cycle

Abdominal bloating

Heavy or irregular periods

No one knows what causes endometriosis. It is more common in women who have relatives with endometriosis, who have never given birth, and those who have a history of pelvic infections. It is diagnosed by laparoscopy, where a small tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the body in order to take a close look at the area where endometriosis is suspected to be.

Treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity and location of the lesions. Sometimes surgery to remove the endometriosis or adhesions is the best option. Pain medication helps make the major symptom of endometriosis more bearable. Additionally, some women have had success taking birth control pills or progestins to reduce the fluctuations in hormones that cause the endometriosis activity.